Non-blinking block-cursor in Windows XP command-prompt?

Question

Purpose

I normally work in many UNIX-like environments using Xterm. I have grown fond of the non-blinking block-cursor it uses. In fact, I have grown so accustomed to it (especially in Vi) that it has become difficult to edit without it. Now that I am working with Windows XP... well, you get the idea.

Question

Does anyone know any program, command, registry entry, ANSI escape sequence, or technique to get the aforementioned cursor in the standard Windows XP command-prompt (cmd.exe)? Using alternatives (such as Console) is not possible in the environment I am working in.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Solution 1

You can adjust the cursor blink rate, width, etc via accessibility options in the control panel. This might get you the desired effect you're looking for. Take a look here:

http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsxp/blinkrate.aspx

My recommendation would be that you set blink rate to NONE and then make the cursor wider to achieve your "block" look.

Hope this helps.

Solution 2

I suggest using Console instead. Not only can it change the cursor into a block cursor, it also support tabbing and dynamically resizable window (i.e., drag the corners instead of going into a dialog box).

Get it here: Console at SourceForge

Comments

[Steven]

Thank you for your help. Interestingly, changing the width of the cursor in Accessibility Options doesn't have any impact on cmd.exe! It changes it for most Windows applications, but (for some reason) the change does not show up in the command-prompt... weird!

[Admin]

I have actually explored this option in the past. It disables the blink just fine, but (for some reason) doesn't transform the cursor into a block. I'll experiment some more and get back to you.

[KPWINC]

In the cmd.exe window try clicking PROPERTIES and selecting LARGE cursor size. That will turn it into a block. If you like the way that looks simply change the default.

[Tim Brigham]

This does not address the blinking indicated in the OP.